VOLUNTEERS at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have been shortlisted for a prestigious award.

The team at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which manages Crewe's Leighton Hospital, have been named as finalists in the 'Strengthening the Foundation' category at this year's Patient Experience Network National Awards.

The Patient Experience Network (PEN) National Awards celebrate the delivery of outstanding patient experience by health and social care organisations.

The team were nominated for their innovation and engagement with services across the Trust to create over 20 new volunteering roles in 12 months.

The roles include corridor and touch point cleaning, donation and water distribution, antibody testing reception volunteers, post room and porter support as well as support at face masks.

Voluntary Services Manager Jo Newbrook said: "We are delighted to have been shortlisted for this award as recognition for the work that has taken place over the past 12 months.

"The new roles for our volunteers have been very successful and have been very beneficial for our patients and our members of staff as well.

"Nothing we have done would have been possible if it wasn't for our wonderful and dedicated volunteers who are always willing to try new roles and give up their time to help the Trust."